Reports say Selena Gomez suffers from lupus

Fans of singer-actress Selena Gomez were left disappointed after the former Disney star announced that she has canceled shows in her upcoming tour. Now, reports say a health emergency is to blame.

Texas-born Gomez suffers from lupus, and the 21-year-old is taking a timeout to recover, several reports say.

Gomez (Getty Images)

According to Pop Dust, the Huffington Post and Hollywoodlife.com, Gomez was diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder a few years ago. It causes inflammation, swelling and damage to the joints. It can also lead to heart and lung problems.

The star’s camp has not confirmed the reports. News broke on Dec. 20 that Gomez is cancelling her 2014 tour in Australia in order to “spend time on herself.”

A source tells Pop Dust:

“Selena has been going full throttle the past few years and her Lupus is really catching up with her right now. She knows that she needs to take some time to address the disease and look after herself better if she wants to live a full and healthy life.”

Gomez, who was born in Grand Prairie, got her start in show business when she appeared on Barney and Friends as a child. Later, her starring role on the Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place made her a teen idol. She’s also a platinum-selling recording artist and has starred in such movies as the kid-friendly Ramona and Beezus and the racy Spring Breakers.

The starlet, also known for dating Justin Bieber a while back, performed at Toyota Center in November. See photos from the show below: